Aucklanders' water bills will increase by 7 percent from 1 July, in the first of yearly rates hikes for the next 10 years.
(File image). Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
In a statement, Watercare chief executive Jon Lamonte said the rates increases would go towards plugging a funding hole left by Covid-19.
He said the money would go towards essential services and construction of critical infrastructure.
In Auckland Council's Long Term Plan, Watercare proposed successive increases throughout the next 10 years.
- 7 percent increase on 1 July 2022
- 9.5 percent increase each year from 2023 to 2029
- 3.5 percent increase in 2030 and 2031
Watercare was due to publish its latest Asset Management Plan in July, which would outline the organisation's investment plan.
Aside from the general water bill increases, infrastructure growth charges would increase by 12 percent from 1 July 2021, followed by proposed 8 percent increases each year.
It comes as Auckland Council pushed through yearly general rates increases for the next decade.